Often we are both asked by fellow pet owners, “What is the best food to feed my dog(s)?” Before we share the answer we give each time we are asked that question, let’s take a moment to look at the realm of dog food today. As mentioned in our introductory blog post, we both have extensive training and backgrounds in pet grooming, pet nutrition, and healthy pet lifestyle. We also have a lifetime of experience in pet care and management. Like you, we are concerned about providing the best nutrition we possibly can for our beloved pets. According to a poll conducted by Catalyst Direct Inc., 89% of American pet owners said their pets help them deal with the stresses of life and 83% valued the steady presence their pets provide in an uncertain economy. Yes, our pets are worth it. Over the years, we have made it our goal to learn as much as possible about pet foods and nutrition and then pass the benefit of what we learned on to our fellow pet owners. Answering the question, “What is the best food to feed my dog(s)?” is not so simple. Why? Well, because there are a number of variables involved in feeding pets today. One of which is sorting through all of the marketing hoopla that we are being fed via multi-million dollar advertising campaigns and the emotions they elicit. The majority of these high dollar campaigns are run by large corporations that manufacture pet food with low quality ingredients. We have been quite surprised to see just how expensive these low quality ingredient pet foods have become. Their prices are right up there with some of the much healthier, high quality and natural pet foods available today. Of course, all of this has led to quite the heated pet food debate among pet owners, pet food retailers, and the pet food manufacturers.With so much information out there, what is a concerned pet owner to do? Does it really matter what is in our pet’s food? Is it possible for everyone to agree on something? We believe that it is possible for many to agree on something. That is, which ingredients we do NOT want to see in our pet’s food. We will now look at some commonly found ingredients in commercial pet foods. We hope that the following will help each pet owner in their path of research. “MEAT MEAL”: This is made of a non-specific meat source and not to be confused with specific meat protein meals like “Chicken Meal”, “Turkey Meal”, “Lamb Meal”, etc. “Meat Meal” is a mixture of animal parts that can be obtained from any source. Any kind of animal can be included, like “4-D animals” which are all varieties of Dead, Diseased, Disabled, or Dying animals prior to slaughter, pigs, horses, dead zoo animals, miscellaneous road kill, etc. And brace yourselves; there are concerns that even euthanized pets have been discovered in “Meat Meal”. Obviously, there is little if any control over quality or contamination. You will be surprised how many of the low cost pet foods and treats found at many retail stores have “Meat Meal” as a main ingredient. BY-PRODUCTS AND BY-PRODUCT MEAL: Much less expensive and less digestible than muscle meat. The ingredients of each by-product batch can vary significantly in quality and ingredients. This means that consistency in its nutritional value can be difficult, if not impossible, to measure. What are by-products? Heads, snouts, bones, feet, feathers, fur, etc. By-products are basically everything that would otherwise be thrown away as refuse. CORN PRODUCTS: Whole Corn, Corn Meal, and Ground Corn are commonly used as a low cost protein source in pet foods. Corn products are considered to be the number 3 common cause of food allergies in pets. Is corn the actual allergen? No. Petroleum residue and aflatoxins due to molds are the actual allergen in corn products. The majority of corn products used in pet foods is from grain that is not acceptable for human use. Corn is not only difficult to digest for us, but also our pets. Plenty of the low cost foods are heavy on corn products.BREWERS RICE: Another common ingredient found in commercial foods used by manufacturers looking to keep their costs down and margins up. It is a rice product that has had many of the nutrients found in whole ground rice and brown rice processed out of it. Commercial pet food manufacturers tout it as a high quality ingredient. It is not a high quality ingredient. It is just a much more inexpensive alternative to using whole grain rice. BHA/BHT: Chemically derived antioxidants used to preserve fats and oils, especially in human and pet foods. Both are banned from human use in many countries, but they are still permitted in the United States. Because they have shown themselves to be carcinogenic in animal experiments, they are considered to be possible carcinogens for humans. Do we really want to offer this to our pets?Pet food has come a long way in a relatively short period of time. More whole food, fresh ingredients are used in the manufacturing of natural pet foods and strict quality checks are in place by these natural pet food manufacturers. There are also freeze dried and raw pet food options out there. But, yes, the sky can be the limit when it comes to the price points of some of these pet super foods. Of course, we recognize that all of us have to be mindful of our budgets, too. One should not feel that they would somehow be a bad pet parent if they were unable to afford some of these pet super foods. Don’t worry. There are healthy, natural pet food options out there for every budget both at brick and mortar stores as well as online, natural pet foods that you can feel good about feeding your beloved pet. Natural foods devoid of low quality stuff as mentioned above. Savvy shoppers may also be able to find manufacturer coupons online as well as special in-store or online promotions! Some may wonder, “But Pet Food Company X is all over the TV, the web, dog show events, etc. Their food must be good for my pet. After all, so-and-so actor does their voiceovers and I feel like he/she is talking to me personally.” All we can say is do your research. Read their labels. What kind of ingredients do they put into their food? Advertising costs money. And these well known and old school pet food companies are owned by corporations that commit millions and millions of dollars towards marketing, advertising, and sponsorships. We admit, though, that some of these pet food companies contract some great advertising agencies. Some of their commercials touting their low quality ingredient pet foods at premium prices are really moving. But can we see beyond the tug on our heart to their product with inferior ingredients, that we may end up feeding to our beloved pets?In this day and age, it is disturbing to see so many of the commercial pet food manufacturers making claims of how “healthy” and “superior” their foods containing these very types of ingredients mentioned above are. But are they really? Although this is a simple and brief overview, we hope it can help you in your search for healthy pet food and treat choices for your beloved pet(s). And remember to consult your veterinarian if you are looking to make a change to your pet’s diet. Especially if your pet is getting treated for any type of condition. Do your research on ingredient panels and bring it with you when speaking with your veterinarian. Knowledge is the key.So, what is our answer when asked “What is the best food to feed my dog(s)?” Our answer will always be: The healthy, natural pet food that your pet does the best on.Until next time, may your pet be a happy pet!Ralph & SandiHaute Paws Grooming and Boutiquehttp://www.hautepaws.com